With the municipal election on Oct. 26 approaching, we invited each candidate to respond to the same four questions about their reason
for running, priorities and vision for the municipality, qualifications, and contact information. Their responses are published below as
submitted, subject only to length and standard copyediting for style, grammar, and clarity. Candidates were asked to
keep their responses focused on their own qualifications, priorities and vision for the municipality.
Candidates are listed alphabetically within each position they are running for.

Bernard Baker — Running for Mayor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office?

I'm running for mayor because I believe in the kind of leadership that listens first, plans carefully, and always keeps our community's best interests at heart.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality?

Our community has much to be proud of. We've built a life here that balances hard work and natural beauty, tradition and progress. But we also face real challenges – from protecting our environment and supporting local businesses, to ensuring strong essential services and responsible growth.

As your mayor, I will work every day to keep South Algonquin a place where everyone feels they belong and where future generations can thrive.

3. What makes you best suited for the role?

I bring a background in community service, business, and municipal leadership. But more importantly, I bring a deep love for this community and a strong commitment to serving you with honesty, humility, and respect.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

For more information, visit: southalgonquinvotes.ca/bernard-baker

Ethel LaValley — Running for Mayor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I am running in hopes of being re-elected as the Mayor of South Algonquin. I feel my background in Municipal politics (approximately 30 years total) will help me guide the township forward on a good path. 

I was elected as a councillor in 1975, reeve in 1985 and mayor of the new amalgamated township of South Algonquin in 1998.  

I was elected as mayor again in 2022 after a hiatus. I feel that my experience in labour relations has given me the skills to meet with federal and provincial governments, other municipal organizations, plus agencies, boards and commissions. 

As mayor, I sit on the Renfrew County Health Unit and the District Social Services Administration Board. I sat on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Executive Board from 1993 to 1997.  I was a past member of the Workers' Compensation Board and was a member of the Ontario Tourism Strategy.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

The biggest issues facing our municipality are housing, part-time work, transportation, jobs, and the economy.  

We are lacking housing, which is a double-edged sword. We are unable to bring in workers because there is a lack of housing, but also residents are unable to buy homes because of the high cost to buy them. 

Even lower-priced homes are still on the market. Short-term rentals affect the inability to buy homes. 

We need a mixture of housing in South Algonquin. Many of our residents face high unemployment because of tourism-related jobs in the summer. 

There is work that needs to be done with the federal government on how to fix our Employment Insurance process for our area. 

We need to look at all means of transportation, especially for our Seniors to travel back and forth to doctor appointments at a reasonable cost. 

We need to expand the length of time our residents get to work. We need to examine how tarrifs affect our businesses, and we need to find a way to attract more business to our community. 

We need to do a better job of communication, and all look at different ways to do this. We need to “heal” our community and shift to being proactive rather than reactive. We have a lot of work to do but I am up to the job.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

I am a good listener, compassionate and can be firm when needed. I view myself as a team player and am respectful of all voices around the council table. 

I also respect our residents whose wisdom I call on quite a lot. Last but not least, I respect our staff. I treat whoever I may be meeting with the same way that I would like to be treated. I feel I have the qualifications and experience to be re-elected for another term.

Sandra Collins  — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I am running for municipal office because I care deeply about our community and want to continue contributing to the place I have called home for the past 19 years.

During my time as a local business owner and as a member of council, I have seen firsthand how municipal decisions affect our residents, our families, our local businesses and our taxpayers. I believe local government works best when elected representatives listen to residents, understand local concerns and work together to find practical solutions.

I have been proud to work on initiatives such as the Madawaska Scenic Walking Trail, recycling at our waste disposal sites, improvements to short-term rental permitting and enforcement, and our Official Plan and Zoning By-law review.

There is still important work to be done. I want to continue being a strong voice for responsible spending, maintaining municipal services, protecting our community and making sure residents have an opportunity to be heard before important decisions are made.

I am seeking another term because I am willing to listen, eager to help and committed to the long-term well-being of Lyell Ward and the Township of South Algonquin. 

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

I believe some of the most important issues facing our municipality are responsible spending, maintaining essential services, managing waste and roads, and making thoughtful decisions about future growth and development.

As taxpayers, we need to keep a close eye on municipal spending and understand the long-term costs of the decisions we make today. One issue I believe deserves careful consideration is the future of roadside garbage collection, including the potentially significant cost of purchasing a new garbage truck. Residents should have an opportunity to share their views before decisions are made.

Private roads are another concern for many residents, and I would like council to revisit the possibility of a grant program to assist with private-road maintenance.

Responsible planning is also important. Our Official Plan and Zoning By-law provide the framework for how our community develops, and we need to continue applying them thoughtfully while considering the interests of residents, property owners and the broader community.

Finally, I believe we should do more to promote water safety. I would like to see greater water-safety education in Ontario schools and encourage swimming lessons, while exploring available provincial funding.

These issues all have something in common: they require careful consideration, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and, most importantly, listening to the people who live here.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

I bring a combination of local experience, municipal experience and a genuine understanding of the community.

I have lived locally for 19 years, operated a local business and served on council. That experience has given me an understanding of both the challenges facing residents and the responsibilities that come with making municipal decisions.

During my time on council, I have worked on issues ranging from the Madawaska Scenic Walking Trail and waste and recycling initiatives to short-term rental regulations, burn permit administration, the Official Plan and the zoning by-law review.

I have also worked directly with residents and government agencies on community concerns, including camping trailers along Highway 523 and the location of cell towers. In one instance, I successfully advocated for a change that moved a proposed tower out of a resident's line of sight.

I believe effective municipal leadership is about listening, being prepared, working constructively with council and staff, and making decisions based on the long-term interests of our community.

I offer experience, continuity and a willingness to listen — and I am committed to continuing that work for the residents of Lyell Ward.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

I welcome hearing from residents of Lyell Ward. You can contact me directly by phone at 613-334-0478 or by email at sandracollins@southalgonquin.ca.

I am always happy to hear your questions, concerns and ideas about our community.

Sharon Conners — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

My name is Sharon Conners, and I am running for councillor in Dickens Ward in the beautiful township of South Algonquin. 

Why have I decided to run? After 32 years working in the federal government and many years of community involvement at Aylen Lake, including interfacing with the township and the council, I felt that I had the experience, commitment and drive to give more back to the community. 

I want to bring open and honest communications to council and help make responsible decisions with taxpayers' dollars.

South Algonquin is made up of permanent residents, seasonal residents, seniors, young families, businesses, lake communities and villages. We may not always have the same priorities, but we share an interest in seeing this municipality be a strong and welcoming place.

 2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

As a geographically large rural municipality with a small tax base, we need to make every tax dollar count while maintaining the services residents depend on. Services provided need to be as efficient and effective as possible. 

Municipal roads, municipal buildings, fire halls, recreation facilities, waste facilities and other public assets require responsible long-term planning, and we should pursue every reasonable opportunity for provincial and federal funding rather than placing the entire financial burden on local taxpayers.

Housing and accessible health services are becoming increasingly important. We need options that allow seniors to remain in the community they call home while also making South Algonquin a place where young people and families can build a future.

Closely tied to the above is economic development. We need to support our existing business, encourage appropriate new investment and look for opportunities that strengthen our tax base while protecting the rural character and the natural environment that make South Algonquin special.

These challenges cannot be solved overnight or by one person. With careful planning, responsible spending and genuine community involvement, I believe we can make meaningful progress in making South Algonquin stronger.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

I believe that my long connection to Aylen Lake, my community involvement through the Aylen Lake Community Association and my 32 years of federal government has prepared me to represent not only the people in Dickens Ward but also in South Algonquin. 

My connection to Aylen Lake goes back 71 years, when I was fortunate enough to have grandparents on the lake. In 1983, when our son was only 8 days old, my husband and I bought our own cottage, which we retired to in 2009. 

I understand the issues that matter to people who live here permanently, seasonally, by road and by water. My years of involvement with the Aylen Lake Community Association have given me practical experience in listening to residents, organizing community initiatives and working with volunteers to get things accomplished. 

My experience in the federal government, where I was a director of information technology, responsible for over 200 employees and a $21 million budget, taught me the importance of working with processes and procedures, accountability, responsible budgeting, working with different points of view and making carefully thought out decisions. 

As councillor, my commitment would be to listen to residents, ask questions, do my homework, communicate openly, consider the financial impact, and make decisions based on what I believe is in the best interest of the whole community.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

I welcome questions, concerns and ideas from residents. You can reach me by email at jsconners1978@hotmail.com or by phone at either 613-756-3470 or 613-281-8173.

Chris Fitzpatrick — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I'm running for town council because I believe every resident and local business deserves a strong voice. 

I want to bring practical management experience, fiscal responsibility, and determined advocacy to council while working to improve quality of life, encourage economic growth, and preserve the character of our community. 

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

I'm running for town council with a focus on responsible financial management, strong advocacy, economic growth, and fair representation. 

As a former corporate manager, I have experience overseeing operations, budgets, and labour costs, and over the past four years I've also advocated for seasonal workers while working with multiple levels of government. 

I'm committed to listening to residents and local businesses while protecting the small-town character that makes South Algonquin special.

I relocated here from the Niagara Region in 2011 and have been proud to call it home ever since. Before moving here, I worked as a corporate manager, overseeing operations across multiple locations and managing complex budgets and labour costs.

Over the past four years, I have also worked extensively to advocate for seasonal workers, researching the Employment Insurance system and working with different levels of government to make sure the concerns of local workers are heard.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

You can reach me by phone at 289-668-0991 and by email at ffitzy_1978@yahoo.ca

Joanne E. Healy — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

I saw the need for improved communication. The township does positive things that they don't always share with residents. Sometimes bylaws and decisions made by council are not clear.  People can feel left out of the process and not valued. I can help.

I want to work with all groups and consider ideas and proposals to generate jobs and increase revenue. We are in this together. We either succeed as a unified group or continue to decline and continue to lose young people who find jobs elsewhere and more opportunities that enrich their children.

I saw the opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the table. Our township population is declining, and the majority of residents are over 65. Businesses have failed, and storefronts sit empty. There is no time to wait and weather the storm. How can we bring tourists here, support their visit and generate revenue for everyone? 

My hometown is Stratford. A town in decline that started a theatre with only a tent and a big idea, and we all know how that turned out. Council supported the idea with promotion and $140 in grant money. Now there are one million visitors yearly and a booming economy. 

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

Lack of transportation. Being isolated from bigger communities for shopping and appointments means transportation is vital. Older seniors don't drive at night or in winter, and some don't drive at all anymore. 

We need busing, which is being worked on right now by some residents, and it needs to be fully supported by the township and more initiatives encouraged.

Lack of housing. Families either can't find or afford houses here. Without young people, you can't fill entry-level positions. One owner has to close his restaurant and drive 20 minutes to pick up a server to work their shift and then drive them home again. 

If there was affordable accomodations for seasonal workers, then restaurants and small businesses could be open and taking advantage of being the gateway to world famous Algonquin Park. Instead most people travelling Highway 60 drive right through our town and spend money elsewhere on gas and food, accomodation and entertainment. 

More money spent here means people can focus on more than survival. I think council needs to be empathetic to these needs and open to discussing options with everyone. 

Where can we help? Can we do more to promote events? Township staff work hard, so let's look at how we can support them. 

Use more of our volunteer groups? There is a housing initiative I am involved with. It needs township support. A seal of approval from council means a lot and will give this proposal a sense of legitimacy to residents.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

Creative arts and communication have been the focus of most of my education and career. Enjoying the outdoors and protecting our natural world has been my passion. I moved to Whitney 15 years ago to be close to Algonquin Park. I love it here. The people are wonderful and generous and would do anything to help you. It is absolutely worth fighting for. 

I bring the perspective of living in big cities and small towns. I have worked for every level of government, from non-profits and big corporations to small family businesses.

Working in promotions for the City of Mississauga, I know the importance of being clear and transparent. Optics are everything, no matter if your intent was good. 

I saw how events and programs are offered. People want opportunities for entertainment, to enjoy good food and music, to explore trails and quiet forest walks, to swim in clear, clean lakes and experience dark skies with brilliant stars — sometimes for the first time. 

Let's tell everyone what we have here — how unique it really is — and then give visitors a chance to enjoy it as we do. One million people come through the park. Let's lure a few to South Algonquin.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

Email joannehealy888@gmail.com to ask me questions. 

Check out my profile on SouthAlgonquinVotes.ca

Joan Kuiack — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

Over the last four years, I have had the honour of representing people from South Algonquin. We have been extremely busy developing much-needed plans or renewing existing ones. Now it's time to build on the progress we made.  As I seek re-election to council, I remain committed to moving South Algonquin forward.

 2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

My priorities include developing a long-term financial plan that considers both today's decisions and tomorrow's obligations. Ensuring the plans already developed by council move from goal-setting to action with clear timelines and measurable results. 

I also believe in strengthening accountability through a formal complaint management system with proper documentation, assigned responsibility, follow-up, and resolution. We need to support our existing businesses and encourage new investment opportunities, all while protecting the rural character that makes South Algonquin special.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

Above all, I am committed to open communication, listening to residents, and creating more opportunities for informal conversation and community feedback as we work together to shape the future of South Algonquin.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

joankuiack@hotmail.com or 613-637-5479

Shawn Pigeon — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

My name is Shawn Pigeon, and I am a full-time resident of Sabine Ward 5 in South Algonquin Township. 

My family has deep roots in South Algonquin on both my mother's and father's sides. My grandparents settled here in 1923, and I spent much of my childhood and teenage years in this community. 

In 2005, I moved my family and business here, and I have been serving South Algonquin and the surrounding area ever since. I am proud to call South Algonquin home because of its beauty, its people, and its peaceful way of life. 

My business allows me to live, work, and thrive here while also employing local residents. 

These experiences make me a strong candidate for Sabine Ward. I know the people, the area, and the issues we face, and that understanding helps me support residents across Sabine and all of South Algonquin as we work to make our community an even better place to live and work.

This is why I ran four years ago and why I am running again in this election; I still have more to contribute. I have always advocated for this area, long before becoming a councillor. I am proud of what I have accomplished over the past four years, and I look forward to doing much more. 

 2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

Economic and demographic conditions are changing rapidly, especially in today's climate. I would like to see South Algonquin protect our lumber industry, strengthen tourism, and encourage responsible development. 

To achieve this, our township must actively promote our area and the opportunities we offer. We need to show that living in a rural community can provide a strong future and attract investors who can help stabilize and grow our economy. 

As a Northern Ontario community that is part of cottage country, South Algonquin has the potential to grow across many economic sectors and become an even more attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

As an economic development officer, I helped secure $2.5 million in infrastructure improvements. As a councillor, I helped implement our Official Plan and Strategic Plan, and I am currently working on our comprehensive zoning bylaw. 

Our township needs councillors with the experience, knowledge, and passion to help the community thrive. I am one of those people. 

I have ideas and suggestions that will work well with the other councillors, with the shared goal of making South Algonquin a great place to play, live, work, and grow. 

Running for councillor brings me closer to the community and strengthens my passion for this area. As councillor, I want all residents to feel the same pride I do in South Algonquin, and that is a goal I am committed to achieving.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

As a councillor, I value being an active and accessible member of the community rather than relying only on social media. Residents are welcome to contact me at shawnpigeon48@gmail.com or 613-318-8375 with their suggestions, concerns, or support.

Angela Pollak — Running for Councillor

1. What made you want to run for municipal office? 

My family is fifth-generation South Algonquin. My grandparents, Peter and Hazel Mask, built a life and a business here, and today my husband and I are doing the same. I know a lot of people who are surviving. 

We've become extraordinarily good at doing more and more with less and less. That speaks to the resilience of our residents, businesses and volunteers. But resilience shouldn't be our long-term plan. I want to see every South Algonquin stakeholder thrive.

For years, I've worked outside municipal government to bring resources and opportunities into South Algonquin. I am certain more and better opportunities are within reach.

I'm also concerned by the amount of external oversight of our municipal government. Good governance matters. We need a Council that asks better questions, welcomes public participation and earns public confidence through transparent, accountable decision-making.

That means looking for resources and partnerships, listening to the people affected by decisions, and planning for the community we want 10 and 20 years from now.

I can continue to do good things for South Algonquin in my private capacity. But some of these problems can only be addressed effectively from the council table. That's why I'm running.

2. What do you see as the biggest issues facing the municipality, and how would you go about solving them? 

We need to move our thinking from sustainability to regeneration. Past councils have worked to steward financial resources, but tough decisions increasingly come at the cost of affordability and quality of life for residents and ratepayers. 

Dividing the pie into smaller and smaller pieces isn't sustainable. We need to make the pie bigger so there's more to go around.

That's the piece that's missing, and most of our other challenges flow from that.

We need better people-centred policy, a more balanced and growing tax base, with new residents, businesses, jobs and investment at the core. We need housing that works for seniors, working people and young people who want to build a future here. We need practical transportation connecting residents with employment, groceries, health care and other services.

We also need to protect what makes South Algonquin a good place to live: recreation, trails, community spaces, local services and our natural environment.

Affordability and quality of life can co-exist, but the municipal tax base can only support so much. We need to bring other resources to the table through grants, partnerships, economic development and collaboration. That work has begun, but it must expand.

Finally, municipal government needs to improve how it communicates and consults with people. Consultation should happen early and often. Residents must be at the centre of decisions that affect them and able to genuinely influence those decisions. Communication should be two-way and accessible.

These issues are interconnected. We need to plan for them that way.

3. What makes you best suited for the role? 

I'm a librarian by trade. I know how to research a problem, ask questions, listen to different perspectives, find resources, build partnerships and move ideas toward implementation. I'm an advocate for accessibility and equity.

Over the last eight years, I've done exactly that as a private citizen. I've championed more than $2 million in grants and improvements supporting the local economy, accessibility, trails, recreation and community infrastructure. I helped bring an accessible playground to Whitney in 2026, and I am now working with my team on a transportation pilot project. 

Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, I've delivered almost 1,700 books to local children under five in Whitney and Madawaska. In September, my team is releasing South Algonquin's first community-led housing strategy, aimed at tackling the 200-unit housing shortfall identified by DNSSAB.

I'm also a local business owner, employer and serial volunteer. My experience spans research, governance, accessibility, community and economic development, grant writing, and working with governments and diverse stakeholders. I understand budgets, regulations and the practical consequences of government decisions from both sides of the table.

Good municipal government is collaborative. I know what I can bring to the table because I've already been doing the work.

4. How can people get a hold of you or find you online to learn more about your campaign?

If you have questions or comments, I'd love to talk with you in person. 

You can also find me at angelapollak.ca, email me at vote@angelapollak.ca, or call or text me at 519-571-4584. 

I also engage in candid local political discussion through the South Algonquin Politics Facebook page.

*As of press time, South Algonquin candidates John Stubbs, Darrell Slaght, Leah Geddes and Joe Florent had not responded to our 2026 Municipal Election Candidate questionnaire.